2018 Chevrolet Impala: The Best Impala In Sixty Years, If Anyone Cares

The first Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line full-size sedan. During its sixty years in production, it has achieved the distinction of being both Chevrolet’s most popular full-size car and the best-selling automobile in the United States. The 2018 Chevrolet Impala represents the fifth year of the tenth-generation of this well-established sedan. It is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan with room for five inside.

Unfortunately, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala must compete in a very hostile environment. In an automotive marketplace where the proportion of trucks and SUVs sold is closing in on two out of every three sales, the full-size car segment has fallen totally out of favor. The 2018 Impala and its peers like the Ford Taurus and Chrysler 300 are selling in lower and lower numbers each month. Most buyers in this category are choosing mid-size SUVs with their higher seating position and larger cargo capacity.

But the 2018 Impala is an excellent full-size car regardless of its sales numbers. It brings back the feeling of the golden days of the 1960s and 1970s, when large American sedans ruled the roads. They were spacious, smooth, powerful, and quiet. And now they are slipping away because no one wants them. Let’s take a closer look at what we’ll be missing in a very short number of years.

2018 Chevrolet Impala Trim Levels And Pricing

The 2018 Impala is available in three different trim levels: LS, LT, and Premier. Pricing starts at $27,895 for the Impala LS and goes up to $36,420 for the Impala Premier.

What’s New On The 2018 Chevrolet Impala

Standard equipment now includes keyless open and start, and a rear vision camera. The 2018 Chevrolet Impala also adds three new exterior colors for 2018: Graphite Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, and Cajun Red Tintcoat.

New standard equipment on the base LS trim includes Chevrolet MyLink radio with 8″ color display, touchscreen, and motorized power up/down with hidden storage. A compass display, and a USB port behind the movable screen are also now standard.

On the mid-level LT trim, a remote vehicle starter system and LED Daytime Running Lamps have been added as standard equipment.

The top-of-the-line Premier trim gets Chevrolet MyLink radio with navigation, universal home remote, Bose Centerpoint surround sound system, wireless device charging, and a 120-volt power outlet, all standard for the 2018 model year.

Choose From Two Powerful Impala Engines

The 2.5L four-cylinder Ecotec four-cylinder engine with 197 horsepower and auto stop/start is standard on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala LS and LT. A more powerful 3.6L DOHC V6 with 305 horsepower is standard on the Premier, and is optional on the LS and LT. Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which drives the front wheels.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2018 Chevrolet Impala is 19 to 22 MPG City and 28 to 30 MPG Highway, based on the engine selected.

Multiple Safety Systems To Protect You In The Impala

An amazing total of ten standard airbags protects you in the 2018 Impala. Also standard are StabiliTrak, Chevrolet’s electronic stability control, as well as electronic traction control.

Additional driver assistance systems are available on specific trim levels. The Driver Confidence Package, available only on the LT, includes rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert.

The Driver Confidence Package II, available only on the Premier, includes forward collision alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and 20” aluminum wheels with all-season tires

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala Continues A Bygone Tradition

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala gives its few buyers a beautifully designed, spacious, silent, and very safe full-size sedan. It is a car that will relax you and get you to your destination refreshed. Sadly for its sales count, it is not an SUV.

About The Author

Stephen Fogel

Stephen follows the global automotive industry on a daily basis, including new model announcements, new technologies, sales trends, and the latest in "green" cars.